Wolverines to Host Iowa State Next Season

Michigan has added another non-conference game to it’s 2011-12 basketball schedule, a home game versus Iowa State. The game is the first leg of a home and home series with the return trip scheduled for 2013.

The Iowa State series should be intriguing as there are some notable ties back to the state of Michigan. Former Michigan State players Chris Allen (eligible this season) and Korie Lucious (not eligible this season) both transfered to Iowa State while Detroit Southeastern big man, and former Michigan recruiting target, Percy Gibson switched his commitment to the Cyclones.

The game might not pack the punch of a truly marquee home game like we’ve seen in recent past – Georgetown, Connecticut and Kansas – but it’s also the kind of game that helps create a balanced strong schedule. It will be interesting to see how Michigan finalizes the non-conference slate. Michigan could add a bigger name to the schedule, but there will also be some guarantee games (we’ve heard Alabama St. is a likely possibility for a low-major opponent).

Michigan will play in the Maui Invitational, a field which includes Duke, Kansas, Memphis, Georgetown, Tennessee, UCLA and Chaminade. The Wolverines will also host Towson and Bradley while traveling to Virginia (Big Ten-ACC Challenge) and Oakland (at the Palace).